The NFL Draft starts next week, and while the first round will no doubt be the focus, hidden gems emerge on Day 2. Last season, DROY Carson Schwesinger, Nick Emmanwori, TreVeyon Henderson, Tyler Shough and Harold Fannin Jr. were all selected on Day 2. While general managers take big swings in the first round, the second and third rounds are where real success is often found.
Second Round
2.33 | SF (via NYJ): ED Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
The 49ers acquire a pair of fourth round picks and still land a standout SEC pass rusher.
2.34 | AZ: OT Blake Miller, Clemson
The Cardinals protect their QB of the future with the addition of Miller at right tackle, who slips through the cracks as a potential first round pick.
2.35 | TEN: WR Denzel Boston, Washington
The Titans add a big bodied wide out to complement Wan’Dale Robinson’s slot acumen.
2.36 | LV: OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Protecting Fernando Mendoza should be the priority.
2.37 | NYG: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
The Giants add one of college football’s most productive defensive tackles. Run defense was an issue with Dexter Lawrence, and now traded, the need is even bigger.
2.38 | HOU: DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Sheldon Rankins needs a long term replacement.
2.39 | CLE: OG Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon
Elgton Jenkins can play all five positions, and Pregnon is the best available linemen. Talent over perfect positional fit.
2.40 | KC: CB Treydan Stukes, Arizona
The Chiefs nabbed Mansoor Delane in Round 1, but they parted ways with both Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Delane replaces Watson, but Stukes replaces McDuffie as a big slot.
2.41 | CIN: ED T.J. Parker, Clemson
Boye Mafe was a $60 million free agent addition, but he had only two sacks during the regular season last year. Parker would help solve one of Cincy’s numerous defensive issues.
2.42 | NO: DT Christen Miller, Georgia
Cam Jordan is 36, Bryan Breese hasn’t proved himself, and Davon Godchaux isn’t good enough.
2.43 | MIA: ED Malachi Lawrence, UCF
The edge is a major area of concern, and Lawrence, along with Bain in the first round, could offer sufficient reinforcement.
2.44 | NYJ: WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia
Branch would offer Geno Smith a young option opposite Garrett Wilson.
2.45 | BAL: OG Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech
Daniel Faalele signed with the Giants, but he needed replacing anyway. Despite Fano’s addition in Round 1, Baltimore continues to add to the IOL.
2.46 | TB: ED R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
Only one Tampa defender had more than 4.5 sacks last year.
2.47 | IND: LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
The Colts traded Zaire Franklin, and now they find his successor.
2.48 | ATL: WR Chris Bell, Louisville
If it wasn’t for a November ACL tear, Bell could have been a top-25 pick.
2.49 | MIN: RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
After landing McNeil-Warren to replace Harrison Smith, the Vikings find their running back of the future.
2.50 | DAL (via DET): LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Rodriguez was incredibly productive, but size and athleticism are concerns. Here, Dallas banks on his elite play (5th in Heisman voting) carrying over to the NFL.
2.51 | CAR: ED Zion Young, Missouri
Jaelan Phillips was signed and Nic Scourton looked promising as a rookie, but adding depth should remain a priority.
2.52 | GB: OG Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
After losing Elgton Jenkins, the Packers find his replacement in Bistontis, who also has tackle flexibility.
2.53 | PIT: OT Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
Broderick Jones Jr. is in a contract year, and he hasn’t been all he was hyped up to be coming out of UGA. Tiernan adds depth and a potential long term starter on the left side.
2.54 | PHI: SAF A.J. Haulcy, LSU
The Eagles replace Reed Blankenship.
2.55 | LAC: WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
The Chargers add a receiver in the second round for the third straight season amidst Quentin Johnston trade rumors.
2.56 | JAX: C Logan Jones, Iowa
Jones could succeed Robert Hainsey as the starter sooner rather than later.
2.57 | CHI: DT Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
After taking Mesidor at No. 25, the Bears continue to prioritize the defensive line.
2.58 | SF: TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
George Kittle is 32 and injury prone, and Stowers could offer more receiving production than other Niner tight ends.
2.59 | HOU: TE Oscar Delp, Georgia
Dalton Schultz got hurt in their divisional round loss, and Cade Stover showed he can’t be more than a blocker. Delp is an excellent athlete.
2.60 | CHI: WR Skyler Bell, UConn
The Bears select their D.J. Moore replacement with the pick they acquired in the trade.
2.61 | LAR: LB Josiah Trotter, Missouri
Nate Landman was a pleasant surprise last season, but Omar Speights could be upgraded upon.
2.62 | DEN: CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State
Pat Surtain II is the league’s best cornerback, but the rest of Denver’s group is average. Riley Moss, in particular, could use replacing.
2.63 | NE: OT Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M
Morgan Moses will be 36 next offseason, and there were rumblings about a retirement this offseason. Finding a second bookend for Drake Maye will be key to New England’s future.
2.64 | SEA: ED Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Boye Mafe left in free agency, and Demarcus Lawrence turns 34 later this month. The Seahawks need reinforcements on the edge.